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Some Wii and GameCube Controllers Facing US Sales Ban

Tom Ivan's picture

By Tom Ivan

July 23, 2008

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Nintendo is facing a ban on US sales of some Wii and GameCube controllers after the platform holder failed in its bid to overturn a $21 million patent-infringement verdict, reports Bloomberg.

Back in May Nintendo was ordered to pay $21 million to Anascape Ltd after infringing on a patent that covers remotes that control six types of motions at the same time.

A Texas court has now rejected Nintendo’s request for a new trial in the case, and announced plans to ban US sales of the Wii Classic controller, WaveBird controller and Nintendo GameCube controller.

However, the ban has been put on hold as Nintendo appeals the decision, with Nintendo forced to post a bond or put royalties in an escrow account to avoid the halt, meaning the company remains free to continue selling the Wii Classic controller in the meantime. The firm no longer produces the GameCube or WaveBird controllers.

Anascape’s lawyer argues that a sales ban is just because the company wishes to enter the peripherals market but Nintendo has “clogged the channel”.

Nintendo’s Wii Remote and Nunchuk controller were found not to violate the patent in question.

Sony licensed the patent from Anascape in 2004 and Microsoft settled a lawsuit in early May just before a trial was due to begin.

AaronMC's picture
On July 24th AaronMC said:

Does anyone know anything about Anascape? Are they just a patent troll? Since the case was filed in Texas, as patent trolls are wont to do, it makes me think they're just scum looking for a payday.

Gareth_Hall's picture
On July 24th Gareth_Hall said:

That is true, though I'd argue that most people would want at least a second Wiimote. I know Nintendo are just following suit with the other console manufacturers, but it would be nice for a machine that is touted as something to bring the family together to have more than one as standard. I also find it very annoying that the Nunchuck and the Wiimote are sold separately but, hey, that's just me.

Ozzman_79's picture
On July 23rd Ozzman_79 said:

i don't think you NEED any of that. I think you can CHOOSE to buy those if you want. The Wii will work just fine using the single Wiimote that comes with it. My former roommate has been using 1 Wiimote with his Wii for almost a year now and it all works fine. If you decide you want different or additional controllers or control inputs, that is completely your decision. Nintendo has made many choices available to you if you do decide.

Gareth_Hall's picture
On July 23rd Gareth_Hall said:

It's lucky they're bringing out the Motion+ to counter the danger of any lost peripheral revenue. ;)

So, I get my Wii and I need... another Wiimote (sold separately), another Nunchuck (sold separately), a Classic Controller for some Virtual Console games (sold separately), a Motion+ (sold separately, price to be confirmed), maybe another Wii Wheel (sold separately) for Mario Kart?

A little unfair, maybe... :)